Self-tanner is great — until you make a mistake and end up with an uneven, patchy or streaked glow. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to get rid of the faux tan.

Try using one of these DIY solutions, or purchase a tan remover spray or mousse to help erase mistakes.

1. Exfoliate with baby oil.

Using oil to exfoliate your skin can help remove self tanner more effectively. Moisturizing your skin also makes it easier to buff away a build-up of dead skin cells on the epidermis, where the majority of self tanner is stored. Baby oil is an excellent choice because it’s gentle on your skin and won’t strip it of natural oils. However, other types of body oil such as coconut or olive oil will work too.

Most “sunless tanning” products (or ‘fake tans’) contain the active ingredient DHA, which chemically reacts with the amino acids found in the dead skin cells on the epidermis. This reaction produces a temporary color that mimics the appearance of an authentic suntan. However, some sunless tanners also contain the active ingredient erythrulose, which works in the same way as DHA but may produce more gradual results.

Both of these ingredients are safe for use by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, but you should always apply them with care to avoid causing irritation. Many beauty specialty stores carry effective sunless-tanner removal products, which should be used as directed. However, you can also try mixing a bit of lemon juice and baking soda together to make your own DIY tan remover.

2. Apply a sugar scrub.

Sugar scrubs are a great way to remove self tanner, especially for the hands, feet, and knees, which often develop darker spots than other parts of the body. You can make your own DIY scrub by mixing sugar granules with a nourishing oil, or purchase a ready-made product that’s been carefully formulated to minimize skin irritation. A scrub applied during a shower can help buff away unwanted fake color without leaving you feeling overly dry or stripped.

Whitening toothpaste, which contains sodium bicarbonate, can also help lift dark patches of sunless tan, but should only be used in small areas as it can dry out your skin. Apply the toothpaste in small circles on the areas of your skin affected by uneven self-tan and leave it for about ten minutes before rinsing it off.

A hair removal cream that contains calcium hydroxide can be effective in lifting fake tan as it works by breaking down the bonds of keratin and exfoliating the skin. Apply the cream to your skin and allow it to sit for half of the recommended time before rinsing it off with warm water. You can also try using a pumice soap that contains bentonite clay, which works as a gentle and non-irritating exfoliator without drying out the skin.

3. Try hair removal cream.

If you’ve got a lot of self-tanner to remove from your legs or feet, store-bought hair removal cream that contains calcium hydroxide works as a self tanner remover. Simply apply the depilatory cream to your skin for half of the recommended time, then rub it off with a washcloth or your fingers. You can also use whitening toothpaste (which contains sodium bicarbonate) to get rid of self-tanner from small areas such as your cuticles. Just make sure to test a small area of your skin for irritation, and only use whitening toothpaste on delicate areas such as the tips of your fingernails or around your eyes.

Waxing, shaving and hair removal products such as Nair strip the skin of its natural oils, so they should be avoided if you’re trying to get an even tan. If you do have to wax or shave, wait at least 24 hours before tanning.

4. Try lemon juice and baking soda.

When applied to non-exfoliated skin, self tan can stick to dead skin cells and eventually slough off leaving streaks or patches. To get a smooth and even finish, it’s best to exfoliate the night before or at least a few hours before applying your fake tan. This will ensure the tanner is absorbed and lasts longer.

If you’re looking for a safe and affordable way to remove self tanner, try baking soda or lemon juice. Simply mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with some lemon juice until you create a paste. Apply the mixture to your skin and let it sit for a few minutes before you rinse it off with water in the shower.

Another easy and inexpensive way to remove self tanner is to use hair removal cream. Simply apply the product to your body with your hands and let it sit for half the recommended time before rinsing it off. This method is effective for removing self tanner from hard-to-reach areas like your palms and bottom of feet.

If you want to prolong your tan, be sure to moisturize your body with a light lotion. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing and sweating before you tan. Additionally, it’s important to avoid using retinols or acne treatments before you apply your tanner. This will help prevent your skin from becoming too sensitive. To make your tan last longer, you can also exfoliate three days after application to remove the top layer of dead skin.

5. Use self-tanner removal products.

If you’re looking for a quick way to get rid of streaks, you can use a product designed specifically for self-tanner removal. These products contain a cocktail of oils that break down tanning pigment and slide it off your skin. They’re the fastest-track to a streak-free complexion.

If you don’t have a dedicated sunless-tan remover in your beauty cabinet, you can also try using whitening toothpaste for small areas. Apply a thin layer of toothpaste, and leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing off. This method can be a little harsh on delicate areas, so we recommend only using it for small patches or around the cuticles.

Another easy way to fix streaks and blotches is to exfoliate with baby oil or a sugar scrub. This will help buff away a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the epidermis, which is where fake tan is stored. A nourishing oil like baby oil, olive oil, or coconut oil will work best. If you’re in a pinch, hair removal cream can also work to lift off a sunless-tan.

6. Use vinegar sparingly.

While it may sound strange to use vinegar on your skin, this natural household ingredient can be used to lighten dark patches of self tanner. Vinegar contains natural bleaching properties that can help fade self tanner stains, but it should be used sparingly to avoid drying out your skin. To use, apply a small amount of white or apple cider vinegar to a cotton ball and dab it over the affected area. Leave it on for one to two minutes, then rinse off with water.

Another effective way to get rid of self tanner is to use hair removal cream. First, wash and dry the desired areas of your skin gently. Then, apply a generous layer of the cream, massaging it into the skin in circular motions. Leave it on for the recommended time, typically ranging from a few minutes to 10 minutes. The chemicals in the hair removal cream will break down the self tanner pigments, making it easier to wipe off and leaving your skin with a more natural complexion.

Lastly, you can also try using a sugar scrub or an exfoliating glove to physically remove the self tanner from your skin. This technique can be quite effective, but it can take a while to fully remove the product and can be painful in certain areas. If you choose to use this method, be sure to moisturize afterwards with a nourishing lotion or body oil.